San Diego Airport Map & Terminal Guide 2026
Two terminals, 50 gates, and a brand-new Terminal 1. Everything you need to navigate San Diego International Airport (SAN) — Terminal 1, Terminal 2 East & West, security, parking and transport.
San Diego Airport Map
The San Diego Airport map below shows the full layout of San Diego International Airport (SAN/KSAN) — also historically known as Lindbergh Field. SAN is the busiest single-runway airport in the United States, serving over 25 million passengers a year with two terminals and direct flights to 87 destinations including 11 international routes.
As you can see on the San Diego Airport map, the layout consists of Terminal 1 (the brand-new facility that opened in September 2025) and Terminal 2, which is divided into an East Concourse and a West Concourse. Study the SAN airport map before you travel so you know which terminal your airline uses — the two terminals are a short shuttle ride apart.
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San Diego Airport Location Map
San Diego International Airport sits on the northern edge of San Diego Bay, just 3 miles (5 km) northwest of downtown San Diego. The San Diego Airport location map below shows SAN’s position relative to the city and the surrounding road network. The airport is accessed via North Harbor Drive, which connects to Interstate 5 (downtown and north) and Interstate 8 (east towards Mission Valley).
Interactive map showing San Diego Airport’s location on San Diego Bay, 3 miles from downtown
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San Diego Airport Terminals
San Diego International Airport has two terminals: the new Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 opened its first phase (Phase 1A) on 23 September 2025, replacing the original 58-year-old building with a state-of-the-art facility. Terminal 2 sits to the west and is divided into an East Concourse and a West Concourse, handling most domestic flights and all international arrivals.
San Diego Airport Terminal 1 — New Terminal
Terminal 1 at San Diego Airport is the airport’s newest building — a $3.8 billion, 940,000-square-foot facility designed by Gensler. Phase 1A (19 gates) opened in September 2025. Phase 1B will add three gates in spring 2026 and eight more by 2028 for a final total of 30 gates.
The terminal features the all-glass “Luminous Wave” façade by James Carpenter and five major public art installations. The ticketing hall has 69 self-service check-in kiosks and 66 ticket counters, and baggage claim has seven carousels capable of processing 4,000 bags per hour. The Terminal 1 Parking Plaza is adjacent with a covered walkway.
San Diego Airport Terminal 2 East — Concourse
Terminal 2 at San Diego Airport handles most of the airport’s traffic, including all international flights. The East Concourse focuses on domestic carriers and serves as the entry point for Terminal 2 arrivals from the landside.
Passengers can walk freely between the East and West concourses within Terminal 2 after clearing security. If arriving on an international flight, U.S. Customs and Border Protection processing takes place in Terminal 2 West before you proceed to baggage claim.
San Diego Airport Terminal 2 West — Concourse
Terminal 2 West (the “Green Build” expansion completed in 2013) is SAN’s largest concourse and hosts all international departures and arrivals, a 55,000-square-foot international arrivals processing facility, and the airport’s main cluster of lounges. Six gates (46–51) connect to the international arrivals facility on the upper level.
Terminal 2 West is also where Global Entry enrollment takes place — the enrollment center is on the west side of baggage claim. Mobile Passport Control is accepted at the CBP processing area for international arrivals. International passengers who have not yet cleared customs must not mix with domestic passengers.
San Diego Airport Security Checkpoints
Each terminal at San Diego Airport has its own dedicated security checkpoint. There is no shared security between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 — if you need to switch terminals after clearing security, you must exit the secure zone, take the interterminal shuttle, and clear security again at your destination terminal.
Interterminal Shuttle
Getting to San Diego Airport
All ground transportation departs from the Transportation Plaza outside baggage claim at both terminals. The airport is exceptionally close to downtown San Diego, making it one of the most convenient major airports in the United States.
There is no direct trolley stop at SAN. From Old Town Transit Center (via the Flyer), you can connect to the San Diego Trolley (UC San Diego Blue, Orange, Sycuan Green and SDG&E Silver lines) to reach Mission Valley, SDSU, the Convention Center and the US–Mexico border. From Santa Fe Depot (via Route 992), you can connect to Amtrak and the COASTER for travel up the coast to Los Angeles.
San Diego Airport Parking
Pre-book San Diego Airport parking at san.org/parking for reduced rates and guaranteed availability. Construction related to the new Terminal 1 has affected some parking areas, so allow extra time.
San Diego Airport Map — Arrivals
If you are arriving at San Diego Airport or collecting a passenger, baggage claim is on the lower level of both terminals. After landing, passengers walk or take an escalator down from the gates directly to baggage claim, as both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are single-building facilities without an internal transit system.
International Arrivals at SAN
All international passengers arriving at SAN proceed to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility in Terminal 2 West, located at the southwest corner near gates 46–51. After clearing CBP, passengers collect their bags from the international carousels and exit to the Terminal 2 West arrivals level for ground transportation. SAN participates in Global Entry and accepts Mobile Passport Control for eligible travellers.
San Diego Airport Map — Departures
Departing passengers should check which terminal their airline uses before travelling to the airport. Curbside drop-off is available at both terminals on the upper (departures) level. At Terminal 2, East and West have separate curbside areas and check-in counters — enter from the correct side to avoid a long walk through the terminal. After check-in, proceed to your terminal’s security checkpoint and head directly to your gate, as both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are self-contained buildings with no airside connection.
Recommended Arrival Times
Arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. Check-in and bag drop desks generally close 45–60 minutes before departure. The airport recommends arriving 2.5 hours early at all times given its single-runway configuration, which can produce ground delays during peak periods. Gate assignments are shown on the flight information screens throughout both terminals and on your airline’s app.
Insider Tips
SAN is two miles from the bay and one of the most urban major airports in the US — aircraft approach low over downtown, which is spectacular but also means weather and noise restrictions can affect operations. The new Terminal 1 is significantly larger and better equipped than the old building; if you haven’t flown Southwest out of SAN recently, expect a much improved experience. Terminal 2 West has no direct walking connection to Terminal 1 — if you have a tight connecting flight in a different terminal, flag it with your airline. SAN is notorious for ground stops during busy mornings; check your airline app before heading to the airport. Beaches and the zoo are both within 30 minutes by car or transit.
San Diego Airport Map — FAQ
How many terminals does San Diego Airport have?
Two terminals: Terminal 1 (new, Phase 1A opened September 2025, 19 gates) and Terminal 2, split into East and West concourses (31 gates). A free courtesy shuttle runs between them daily from 4 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Which airlines fly from Terminal 1 at SAN?
Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, Breeze Airways, Spirit Airlines and JetBlue. Air Canada and WestJet are scheduled to join in spring 2026.
Which airlines fly from Terminal 2 at SAN?
Terminal 2 East: Alaska Airlines and American Airlines. Terminal 2 West: Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, Volaris, WestJet and other international carriers.
Can I walk between terminals at San Diego Airport?
No. You cannot walk between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 because construction on the new Terminal 1 Phase 1B is ongoing. Take the free interterminal courtesy shuttle (every 15 min, 4 a.m.–2 a.m.). Within Terminal 2, you can walk freely between East and West after clearing security.
Where is security at San Diego Airport in 2026?
Terminal 1 has one checkpoint with 13 lanes (TSA PreCheck and CLEAR). Terminal 2 has separate East and West checkpoints, each with TSA PreCheck; CLEAR is available at T2 West. All checkpoints open from approximately 4 a.m.
How far is San Diego Airport from downtown?
About 3 miles (5 km). MTS Bus Route 992 runs every 15 minutes and reaches Santa Fe Depot in downtown in about 15 minutes for $2.50. Ride-share takes about 10 minutes and costs $15–$25.
Is there a trolley to San Diego Airport?
Not directly. Take the free San Diego Flyer shuttle from baggage claim to Old Town Transit Center for trolley connections, or MTS Route 992 to Santa Fe Depot for Amtrak, COASTER and trolley access.
Where can I find parking at San Diego Airport?
Terminal 1 Parking Lot and Terminal 2 Parking Plaza (up to ~$32/day, covered), Long-Term Lot (~$20/day, free shuttle), and curbside valet (~$40/day). Free Cell Phone Lot at 2311 McCain Road (up to 60 min). Pre-book at san.org.
What does the San Diego Airport map show?
The San Diego Airport map shows new Terminal 1, Terminal 2 East and West concourses, all gate areas, security checkpoints, the interterminal shuttle route, Terminal 1 and T2 parking plazas, the consolidated rental car center, MTS Route 992 stops, Harbor Drive and the San Diego Bay waterfront.